President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged a formal communication from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Washington’s unilateral decision to impose a 30% trade tariff on South African goods.

The correspondence, received on Monday, July 7, 2025, places South Africa among several nations targeted by the new tariffs, which the U.S. claims are based on its interpretation of the trade imbalance between the two countries.

President Ramaphosa, however, challenged the basis for the tariff, stating that the figures do not align with South Africa’s own trade data.

“In our analysis, the average tariff on imported goods into South Africa stands at 7.6%, with 56% of all goods 77% of which are U.S. exports entering our market duty-free,” he said.

Ramaphosa emphasized South Africa’s commitment to pursuing a more equitable and mutually beneficial trade relationship with the United States. He welcomed assurances from Washington that the 30% tariff could be revised following ongoing negotiations.

Talks between the two countries have continued, most recently on the sidelines of the U.S.-Africa Summit held in Luanda, Angola, on June 23, where South Africa was informed of a proposed U.S. engagement template for sub-Saharan Africa.

Ramaphosa noted that South Africa is still awaiting that document but has already submitted its own Framework Deal on May 20, 2025. This proposal addresses key concerns raised by the U.S., including claims of a South African trade surplus, alleged unfair trade practices, and lack of reciprocity.

He has directed his negotiation team to intensify talks based on this framework and called on South African companies and government entities to step up efforts toward diversifying trade partnerships to build greater economic resilience and protect global supply chains.